Title: Post-Match Consolation
Author: Kat Halcyon
E-mail: kathalcyon@hotmail.com
Rating: G
Category: Romance/Angst
Couple: Oliver/Cedric
Warning: Inter-House slash. If the thought of two boys or a Gryffindor and a Hufflepuff in a romantic relationship squicks you, this is the time to press "back".
Spoilers: The Gryffindor-Hufflepuff Quidditch match in PoA
Disclaimer: Oliver, Cedric and Quidditch belong to JKR. The situation belongs to me.
Summary: After the Quidditch fiasco, Oliver and Cedric comfort each other.
Author's Note: Thanks to Anti for the beta!
After almost an hour, it became clear to Oliver that the showers weren't doing him any good. Sure, he was probably the cleanest person at Hogwarts right then, but his mind hadn't been eased in the slightest.
So he reluctantly emerged, draping a towel around his hips, even though he figured the locker room would be empty.
He figured wrong. Sitting cross-legged on the bench, still in full Quidditch robes, was Cedric Diggory. He looked… not quite fearful, but apprehensive. And apologetic.
"I'm sorry," he blurted out before Oliver could say anything. He stood up and walked over to the other boy. "I'm so sorry, Oliver. I didn't want to win against you. I didn't even want to play against you. Please don't hate me. I'm sorry. Please, Oliver." Cedric reached out a hand to place over Oliver's heart, then snatched it back. "I'm sorry,: he whispered again, backing away a step.
Oliver reached out for Cedric's arm and pulled him close in an embrace. He wasn't mad at Cedric. It wasn't his fault. Well, it sort of was, but no. It wasn't; it was just bad luck and the Dementors.
"It's okay, love," he whispered into Cedric's hair. "It's okay, don't be sorry. I'm proud of you."
Cedric pulled away to look into Oliver's eyes. "Are you sure?" he asked, hesitating.
Oliver attempted a smile. "Well, I wish it hadn't been against me, but I'm very proud of your first win as Captain."
"You're sure?" Cedric wanted to know,
"Positive." Oliver leaned over and gave him a quick kiss. "Your Housemates are probably wondering why you're not at their celebration."
"I'd rather be with you," Cedric said, giving Oliver another kiss, letting his hands roam over the other boy's bare back.
"I know, love, but I have to go see Harry anyway." Oliver detached himself from Cedric. "Go. Celebrate. Have fun."
Cedric gave a little sigh. "Okay. I'll go, but I'd still rather be with you."
"Good-bye." Oliver gave him one last kiss.
"Bye." Cedric slipped out of the room.
Oliver sat on the bench, still clad only in a towel, and tried desperately to think of something other than Quidditch now that Cedric, his comfort, was gone.